Occupational Therapist Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 540+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$109,170
$52.49/hr
vs National Average
$98,754
+10.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$82K – $130K
540 employed in District of Columbia
Occupational Therapist salary in District of Columbia averages $109,170 annually, positioning the region well above national standards. With approximately 540 occupational therapists currently employed in DC, this figure represents an 11% premium compared to the national average, reflecting the region's higher cost of living and concentrated healthcare demand.
Compensation for occupational therapists in the District varies based on experience level, employer type, and specialized certifications. Salaries typically range from $81,760 to $129,810, with factors like hospital versus private practice settings, patient population served, and years of professional experience significantly influencing individual earnings within this market.
Salary Distribution — Occupational Therapist in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $81,760 |
| 25th percentile | $96,800 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $109,170 |
| 75th percentile | $125,130 |
| 90th percentile | $129,810 |
Top-Paying Industries for Occupational Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Occupational Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Occupational Therapists in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $105,560 | 3K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $101,950 | 200 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $101,410 | 570 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $101,080 | 133K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $100,120 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Occupational Therapist in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $92,670 |
| 2023 | $97,220 |
| 2024 | $99,290 |
| 2025 | $109,170 |
| 2026 (projected) | $115,720 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $92,670 | $88,771 |
| 2023 | $97,220 | $93,040 |
| 2024 | $99,290 | $95,329 |
| 2025 | $109,170 | $98,754 |
| 2026 (projected) | $115,720 | $104,679 |
Occupational Therapist Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $96,800 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $109,170 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $125,130 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $129,810 |
Occupational Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Occupational Therapist Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Occupational Therapist ($109,170 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Occupational Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in DC | $318,200 | +191.5% | $152.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in DC | $265,740 | +143.4% | $127.76/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DC | $233,390 | +113.8% | $112.21/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in DC | $223,250 | +104.5% | $107.33/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in DC | $202,570 | +85.6% | $97.39/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DC | $183,080 | +67.7% | $88.02/hr |
| Radiologist in DC | $182,450 | +67.1% | $87.72/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | +42.1% | $74.59/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | +40.5% | $73.75/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in DC | $137,220 | +25.7% | $65.97/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DC | $135,880 | +24.5% | $65.33/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DC | $135,140 | +23.8% | $64.97/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Washington DC?
- The median salary for occupational therapists in District of Columbia is $109,170 per year, or $52 per hour. This is 10.5% higher than the national average, making it a well-compensated market for this profession.
What is the salary range for occupational therapists in DC?
- Occupational therapist salaries in District of Columbia typically range from $81,760 at the lower end to $129,810 at the higher end, reflecting differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
Is DC a good pay market for occupational therapists?
- Yes, District of Columbia offers competitive compensation for occupational therapists, with salaries averaging $109,170 annually—10.5% above the national average. This makes DC one of the better-paying locations for this profession.
How many occupational therapists work in Washington DC?
- Approximately 540 occupational therapists are employed in District of Columbia, indicating a moderate job market for this occupation in the region.